2520 sounds when warming up.

Deadman · Dec 28, 2007

I have a JD 2520, and It runs great and has like 50 hrs on it now.

When I start it up cold (20 degrees F) its starts EXCELLENT, but sounds loud when its cold. Then about 2-3 full minutes later it completely quiets down all at once and sounds just like its running in summer. Is this because the oil is finally getting to some certain parts, or is it just the nature of the beast?
I'm not that worried about it, just curious.

Its literaly 3 full minutes and it just switches from loud to quiet. Any ideas why?

driver444 · Dec 28, 2007

Nothing to worry about. Every diesel in the world does that (clangy noise on cold start up) One thing to note... ... Don't start using the tractor until it quiets down, because it's not warm enough.

If you had an engine block heater, that would pretty much eliminate that.

Chris2520 · Dec 28, 2007

I know what your talking about. but mine dont do it so
much down here in the south. cause it dont get that cold here.
but it is normal. your fine....

Chris...

prosperity · Dec 28, 2007

I'm not sure about our 2520's engine - but with my big truck's diesel, the computer changes the fuel/air ratio when the engine is cold to help it start, making it sound quite different for a few minutes on a cold start.

I've noticed this with my 2520 also, and have attributed that to the same thing.

RalphVa · Dec 28, 2007

Both my JD 4010 and 25 year old Benz diesels are VERY noisey when first started cold in the winter. I just use them gently for the first few minutes. Don't agree with letting engines sit to warm up. Been doing this on the Benz for 25 years and 205k miles. Did it on the other Benz; sold it when it had 195k miles on it.

Lubrication is a tad slow getting to the top end if you're not using 5wxx or 0wxx oils. Use them all year round. They'll still be heavier at startup than the xx (e.g. 20,30,40 or 50w) oil at operating temperature. A 0wxx oil will provide top end lubrication even at -40 F/C very quickly. A 5wxx or 10wxx oil may take minutes to get lubrication to the top end. This was proven in tests by our research group in -40 F/C chambers and using transparent overhead cam covers.

Ralph

jdbower · Dec 28, 2007

RalphVa said:
Don't agree with letting engines sit to warm up.

With the tractor I don't know that there's much difference since the hydro fluid is pumping all the time into what I assume is a shared reservoir, but with cars you can actually do damage by letting them warm up at idle instead of driving them. Since the engine coolant is all that's really coming to temperature, you could bring the engine up to operating parameters but still have a cold transmission. By just babying the drivetrain until the temp comes up you're doing a better job of warming the entire system. I do the same thing with my 2520 (actually, I try not to be outside when it's that cold

), with my truck I keep it in neutral until the RPMs drop (about 30 seconds), but then just baby the accelerator until it's close to operating temps.

Runner · Dec 28, 2007

Here's what I noticed on my 2520 with cold starts:

1. More smoke (just a puff of black when starting, then none).

2. More noise. However, most of the extra noise I notice seems to be a hissing sound, almost like air escaping, but I think it's in the hydraulic pump. This goes away after a couple of minutes, but seems to get louder for awhile if you try to drive it right away.

3. Aparently the engine management computer puts it on a fast idle, like about 1000 rpm, then it slows down after a couple of minutes.

4. Hydrostat seems a little noisier, but not much.

5. Tried the coolant heater, but didn't notice much difference in starting time or noises. Probably wasn't cold enough because I haven't tried starting it below about 25 degrees yet.

Deadman · Dec 28, 2007

I'll bet you anything, I'm noticing it come off of High-idle! Because EVERYTIME I start it cold, I always think its idling extra high, so I grab the throttle and try to pull it down all the way.....but its always at idle, but the brain must be telling it to idle a tad higher for a couple minutes.

lager1829 · Dec 29, 2007

When cold, my 3720 runs about 3 to 4 minutes before a noticeable drop off in RPM - then I know it's warmed up. I follow the recommended cold start intructs in the manual.

Excerpts from 3720 Manual:

Set hand throttle lever to the 1/3 fast position.

For cold weather starting, use the intake air heater system. Activate the intake air heater system by pushing in the ignition key switch with the key, and holding it there for the required time:

10 - 15 seconds for temperatures as low as -18?C (0?F).

15 - 30 seconds for temperatures below -18?C (0?F).

Turn key switch to the start position. Release key when engine starts.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! In cold weather, run engine several minutes to allow engine oil and transmission oil to warm.

NOTE: It is normal for the engine to be louder and for blue-white exhaust smoke to be present during engine warm-up. The amount of exhaust smoke depends on air temperature.

Warm the engine:

In warm weather, set hand throttle lever to the 1/2 fast position for 1 minute without load.

In cold weather, set hand throttle lever to the 1/2 fast position for 5 minutes without load.